Hemorrhoids Pain

Hemorrhoids is a disease condition wherein the veins in the anal region swell up due to increased pressure caused generally by prolonged sitting. It is a very common and very painful condition, but usually not serious.

There are basically two types of hemorrhoids – internal and external. In the former case the veins inside the anal canal swell up and in case of external hemorrhoids the veins near the opening of the anus swell up. Both conditions could be coexistent and both of them are very painful and common. The symptoms and treatment vary depending on the type of hemorrhoids one has.

How does one get Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids could be attributed to a number of causes, but the basic cause is excessive pressure on the veins in the pelvic and rectum area.

Strained Defecation – The anal tissues get filled up with blood to help control bowel movements under normal conditions. When you strain to move stool, it increases pressure inside the veins in these tissues and causes them to swell and stretch. This results in hemorrhoids.

Prolonged Sitting – Most of us spend long hours in sitting position – on the office chair, home couch, movie seat, car seat etc. Ironically enough the human body is not designed to remain in sitting position for long hours. Prolonged sitting increases pressure on the pelvic tissues and veins causing them to swell and stretch. This can lead to hemorrhoids.

Constipation or Diarrhea – Strained defecation is an integral part of constipation and this again compresses the anal veins leading to hemorrhoids.

Pregnancy – During the last 6 months of pregnancy, pressure on the pelvic veins increases abnormally and this could lead to hemorrhoids. The condition could get worse during delivery when the mother strains to push the baby out.

Overweight – If weight on the pelvic region is heavier that it can support, the veins could get compressed and lead to painful hemorrhoids.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Hemorrhoid symptoms include anal itching, aching anus (especially while sitting), fresh blood laced stool, painful defecation and one or more lumps near the anus.

By examining the rectal area hemorrhoids can be diagnosed. Your doctor might order additional tests like Stool Guaiac, Sigmoidoscopy and Anoscopy.

 

Treatment and Prevention of Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids can be easily treated at home if the disease is still in the initial stages and by following some simple rules one can avoid them as well.

• Over the counter corticosteroid and lidocaine creams can alleviate the pain.

 

• You could use stool softeners, so you don’t need to strain while defecating.

 

 

• In extreme cases surgery remains the only available option.

 

 

• Use cotton under garments to prevent hemorrhoids.

 

 

• Try to eat a fiber rich diet. This would keep your bowel movements normal and prevent hemorrhoids owing to strained defecation.

 

 

• Sitz Bath could be taken to prevent formation of hemorrhoids and also a host of other disease. This traditional method is very effective in not only preventing hemorrhoids, but also treating them. Sit on moderately warm water for 15 minutes to warm the pelvic and anal areas to increase blood flow and prevent hemorrhoids.

 

Suitable Hemorrhoids Cushions (For Men and Women)

Donut shaped cushions made of foam allow your pelvic area to remain suspended in the air, in sitting position. Regular use of hemorrhoid cushions can not only alleviate hemorrhoid pain, but also prevent them from occurring. A combination of sitz bath and hemorrhoid cushions works very well in many cases.

There is a good selection of inexpensive donut pillows available online and in retail health stores. Biolectrix offers its Discreet Donut Cushion, a fully discreet and more comfortable model, suitable for both men and women.